The ISU swimming and diving team takes to the road this weekend, facing South Dakota on Friday and South Dakota State on Saturday.

The Cyclones (1-1) are trying to rebound from their Oct. 15 home loss against Minnesota as they face South Dakota (0-1) on Friday night in Vermillion, S.D. The Cyclones defeated the Coyotes 165-125 in Ames last season, 165-125.

“We want to go in and have a good performance,” said ISU swimming coach Duane Sorenson. “We’re just looking for everybody to go out and swim fast. They’ve been training pretty hard this week so far, so we’ll see what happens at the end of the week.”

Cyclone junior Dani Harris impressed people while swimming against the Coyotes last season, placing first in both the 100-backstroke and 400-individual medley, in addition to helping her 200-medley relay team finish first.

Cyclone freshman Sarah Deis opened the season at Northern Iowa by placing first in both the 200-individual medley and 500-freestyle with times of 2:13.59 and 5:13.58. Deis also performed well against Minnesota last meet, making it a good learning experience for her.

“I’m hoping to better my times from the last two meets and just keep improving, keep working on my technique and stay strong,” Deis said.

On Saturday, Iowa State then heads to Brookings, S.D., to face South Dakota State (0-2).

The Cyclones faced the Jackrabbits in Ames last season, defeating them 152-83. Sorenson is aware of what South Dakota State is capable of, despite its 0-2 record thus far.

“They’ve got each event covered,” Sorenson said. “They’re going to be a very good opponent and if we’re not ‘on’ then they’re going to give us a tremendous meet.

“We’re just going to take each team very seriously, and go out and give it our best shot.”

Cyclone senior diver Sarah Nelson placed first in both the 1-meter and 3-meter race against the Jackrabbits last season.

“I definitely give credit to all my summer training to step me up and just start stronger at the beginning of the season,” Nelson said. “I think it just comes down to putting in the work in the pool and mentally preparing yourself for competition.”

Nelson dove well against Minnesota last meet as well, placing second in the 1-meter and third in the 3-meter with scores of 264.30 and 271.42.

“I really am happy with how Sarah’s doing,” said ISU diving coach Jeff Warrick. “It’s really exciting to watch her come along, and she’s really making some good improvements.”

The Cyclones take on South Dakota on Friday at 6 p.m. and South Dakota State on Saturday at 1 p.m.